Walking Tour in Palmela with gastronomic tasting

In the 30s it was just a tavern in Palmela. It became a restaurant, cafe and now a bakery. Retiro Azul changes, adapts, but never loses the spirit that characterizes it so much. The year we have as a reference for creation is 1939.

Palmela Castle is located at one of the highest points in Serra da Arrábida. It is a difficult to access location and therefore ideal for fulfilling its territorial defense function. During the Christian Reconquista led by D. Afonso Henriques, first king of Portugal, Palmela was part of the defense line south of the Tagus. At that time, the king donated the territories of Palmela, Almada and Alcácer to the Order of Sant'Iago da Espada for defense and settlement. In 1205, D. Sancho I confirmed the donation and installed the Chapter of the Order in the castle. In the century. XV, D. João I ordered a series of restoration works to be carried out, especially in the keep and ordered the construction of the convent that would become the seat of the Order from 1443 onwards. The castle also underwent some changes in the 14th century. XVII, under order of D. Pedro II. The friars remained in the Santiago convent until the extinction of the religious orders in 1834. The building was finally recovered by the State in 1945 and transformed into the Pousada de Portugal.

The Church of S. Pedro, Matriz de Palmela, in addition to being historic, is one of the most prominent buildings in the locality. Temple of medieval origin, dating back to before 1320, its design being the result of complete reconstruction in the second half of the 16th century. Around the 40s of the 18th century, the interior was artistically remodeled with tiles by Nicolau de Freitas. Damaged by the earthquakes of 1755 and 1858, it had to be rebuilt. Located in Largo do Município, the Main Church has three naves with Tuscan columns, and inside tiles from the Baroque period (XVIII), which represent scenes from the life of Saint Peter. It also includes an important 18th century sculptural and pictorial set.

Right next to Palmela Castle is the Venâncio Ribeiro da Costa Park, the true lung of the town. It has a picnic area, an outdoor amphitheater where cultural events are held regularly, and exercise equipment. Trees and birds abound.